Dry Needling

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a technique which uses fine needles, as is used in acupuncture, to improve the body’s function. Dry needling utilises a solid, filament needle, and relies on the stimulation of specific reactions in the target tissue for its therapeutic effect.

What does it treat?

Dry needling is used as part of a complete treatment. By itself, it is used to normalise tone in muscles and the nervous system, improve circulation, encourage remodelling of scar tissue, and moderate pain. It is useful for almost any musculoskeletal problem that could be addressed with manual therapy.

Is it the same as acupuncture?

Dry needling is distinct from acupuncture which is founded in a Traditional Chinese Paradigm. Acupuncture involves the needling of points on meridians in the the body to boost, harmonise and remove blockages in the flow of energy throughout the body.
It is one part of a system of healing developed in China which has spread through Asia and the western world. Traditionally, oriental healing included not only the needling of and application of moxa to points on the body but also herbal and diet therapy, several forms of massage or manipulative therapy (eg tuina) and exercise therapy(eg tai chi).

Dry needling is founded in a western paradigm based on neuro-muscular-pysiology rather than meridian channels.